About Pediatric Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology is the science of brain-behavior relationships. Neuropsychologists are doctoral level (Ph.D.) specialists within the field of psychology who focus primarily on brain health and mental health. Neuropsychologists are trained in psychology, behavioral neurology, and neuroanatomy. Clinical neuropsychologists are part of a patient’s health care team to answer diagnostic questions and provide information to optimize patient brain health, function, medical and mental health treatment.

For children and adolescents, a neuropsychological evaluation may:

• Identify the cause of changes or difficulties with cognitive performance (e.g. memory, attention, word-finding, reasoning, other), mood/personality, behavior, and functional difficulties.
• Assist in clarifying whether changes or symptoms are due to typical development; modifiable factors such as medical illness, depression, anxiety; neurological disorders; injury; pre-existing disorders; or other factors.  
• Provide a baseline assessment for monitoring symptoms over time.
• Reduce worry/uncertainty and provide reassurance and answers to patients, family members, and providers 

Early screening and evaluation of developmental and neuropsychological factors can:  

• Increase the chance of receiving disease-specific interventions and treatments.
• Assist in developing school- and community-based intervention plans.
• Inform decision-making and planning for the future.
• Improve support and reduce patient and family/caregiver distress.    

In general, neuropsychological evaluations can assist in maintaining brain health, function,  independence, knowledge, and quality of life for patients and their families.  

Interview: 

The parent or caregiver who knows the patient well talk to the neuropsychologist about the reason for the referral and timeline of any symptoms or concerns such as changes in memory, learning, or other abilities. The patient’s background history will be discussed since this information assists in interpreting the test data. The neuropsychologist also answers questions so the patient and their family will feel comfortable with the evaluation process.

Testing: 

Standardized one-on-one testing (paper-and-pencil and answering questions verbally) are administered to the patient based on the referral question (e.g. memory, attention, language, speed of thinking, problem-solving, visuospatial skills, motor/sensory, among others), and measures of psychological and other functioning including questionnaires. Children and adolescents generally complete testing in 1-2 sessions lasting 3 to 4 hours. This amount of time is necessary to complete a comprehensive test battery, and to allow for breaks. 

Feedback: 

After testing is completed and scored, the neuropsychologist reviews the interview information, test results, and any relevant records. Then, during a feedback session with parent, the neuropsychologist discusses the test results, clinical impressions, diagnoses, and recommendations in understandable language with questions answered. A comprehensive report is provided to the parent and/or legal guardian.